The leave taking was preceded by all sorts of explosions and excursions, many of them unexpected, and it was a relief when all that drama died down. Be cordial, try to get to know them, maintain a casual friendship that will be useful when disagreements arise. [...] disagreements do arise; when houses are as close together as they are in Oakland, there’s always unintentional invasion of each other’s spaces. Maybe, I thought, they were spies, propped up in my quiet neighborhood to establish an impeccable cover. Both of them had day jobs, but they also both played in bands. [...] several bands. Skott, mild-mannered office worker by day, maniac drummer by night. [...] we asked them in a neighborly way to tell us if they were playing any gigs that they thought we’d enjoy, and after a time we got an invitation. Allison’s group was the called the Minks; it’s an all-girl Kinks tribute band, except not really. Dancing broke out, and even those of us at the tables could be seen to be doing some rhythmic movements. “Remember that locksmith’s that was here in 2013?” I hope the Make Out Room is not caught in the vise of rising rents and disappearing venues.